The Bum's February's NHL Best Bets !

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 19

Hot teams
-- Canadiens won last four games, outscoring foes 12-4. Rangers won four of last five.
-- Maple Leafs won six of their last seven games.
-- Blues won their last three games, scoring 13 goals.
-- Blackhawks won six of their last seven games.

Cold teams
-- Winnipeg lost four of its last five games. Sabres lost three of last four.
-- Lightning lost six of their last seven games.
-- Islanders lost six of their last eight games. Ottawa lost six of last nine.
-- Red Wings lost last three games, outscored 12-7. Nashville lost four of last six.
-- Sharks lost last seven games, scoring three goals in last four games.
-- Canucks lost last two games, both 4-3.
-- Los Angeles lost six of its nine road games. Oilers lost six of last eight overall.

Totals
-- Last six Winnipeg games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Montreal-Ranger games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Islander games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Nashville games.
-- Eight of last ten San Jose games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Chicago games.
-- Six of last seven LA-Edmonton games stayed under total.

Series records
-- Jets won last three games vs Buffalo: 2-1/4-1/3-1.
-- Rangers lost seven of last ten games against Montreal.
-- Toronto won four in row over Tampa Bay LY, scoring 20 goals.
-- Islanders lost ten of last thirteen games against Ottawa.
-- Nashville won six of last seven vs Detroit; they beat Wings 4-1 in LY's playoffs.
-- Blues beat San Jose four times LY, outscoring them 12-3.
-- Canucks won four of last six games against Chicago.
-- Kings won seven of last nine vs Edmonton, with both losses in OT.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Tuesday, February 19

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. NY RANGERS
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Montreal is 3-9 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
NY Rangers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Montreal

7:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. BUFFALO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games when playing Buffalo
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Buffalo's last 11 games
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

7:30 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. OTTAWA
NY Islanders are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing NY Islanders
Ottawa is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:30 PM
TORONTO vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. NASHVILLE
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Nashville is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. ST. LOUIS
San Jose is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing St. Louis
San Jose is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing San Jose

8:30 PM
VANCOUVER vs. CHICAGO
Vancouver is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chicago's last 13 games

10:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Los Angeles's last 9 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Los Angeles is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Edmonton's last 7 games when playing Los Angeles

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, February 19

Toronto at Washington, 7:05 ET
Toronto: 8-1 ATS off a division game
Washington: 4-15 ATS after being outrebounded by 20+

Charlotte at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Charlotte: 9-21 ATS off BB Unders
Orlando: 13-3 Over off a home loss

Milwaukee at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Milwaukee: 13-2 ATS away with a total of 190 to 199.5 points
Brooklyn: 4-15 ATS at home revenging a road loss

Memphis at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Memphis: 18-7 Under vs. Central Division opponents
Detroit: 16-6 ATS in February

Chicago at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Chicago: 5-14 ATS vs. non-conference opponents
New Orleans: 12-1 ATS after winning 3 of their last 4 games

Boston at Denver, 9:05 ET NBATV
Boston: 10-22 ATS away off an ATS loss
Denver: 11-2 ATS off 4+ road games

Golden State at Utah, 9:05 ET
Golden State: 18-2 ATS away off BB losses
Utah: 13-4 Under at home with a total of 200+ points

Phoenix at Portland, 10:05 ET
Phoenix: 4-12 ATS revenging a road loss
Portland: 13-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or less

San Antonio at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
San Antonio: 13-4 ATS off a SU win / ATS loss
Sacramento: 3-14 ATS at home off 4+ games allowing 100+ points

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Tuesday, February 19

Winnipeg at Buffalo, 7:05 ET
Winnipeg: 15-9 SU after 2 or more consecutive losses
Buffalo: 6-14 SU after playing 2 consecutive home games

Montreal at NY Rangers, 7:05 ET RDS
Montreal: 11-2 UNDER in road games off a home win by 2 goals or more
NY Rangers: 43-51 SU in home games on Tuesday nights

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7:35 ET
Toronto: 15-34 SU after scoring 3 goals or more in 2 straight games
Tampa Bay: 5-0 SU after allowing 4 goals or more 4 straight games

NY Islanders at Ottawa, 7:35 ET
NY Islanders: 13-5 OVER in road games against poor offensive teams
Ottawa: 34-67 SU against good offensive teams

Detroit at Nashville, 8:05 ET
Detroit: 19-25 SU after 1 or more consecutive losses
Nashville: 57-43 ATS after playing a road game

San Jose at St. Louis, 8:05 ET NBCSN
San Jose: 0-6 SU after a game where they failed to cover the spread
St. Louis: ST LOUIS is 9-1 SU after winning their previous game in overtime

Vancouver at Chicago, 8:35 ET
Vancouver: 17-2 SU off a close home loss by 1 goal
Chicago: 4-9 SU at home after a close win by 1 goal in their previous game

Los Angeles at Edmonton, 10:05 ET TSN
Los Angeles: 10-3 ATS in road games off a close road loss by 1 goal
Edmonton: 2-13 ATS after playing a game where 9 or more total goals

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, February 19

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Winnipeg - 7:00 PM ET Winnipeg +136 500
Buffalo - Over 5.5 500

Montreal - 7:00 PM ET Montreal +141 500
NY Rangers - Under 5 500

NY Islanders - 7:30 PM ET Ottawa -118 500
Ottawa - Over 5.5 500

Toronto - 7:30 PM ET Toronto +144 500
Tampa Bay - Over 6 500

San Jose - 8:00 PM ET St. Louis -119 500
St. Louis - Over 5.5 500

Detroit - 8:00 PM ET Detroit +102 500
Nashville - Over 5 500

Vancouver - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -116 500
Chicago - Over 5.5 500

Los Angeles - 10:00 PM ET Los Angeles -123 500
Edmonton - Under 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, February 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Philadelphia - 7:30 PM ET Philadelphia +142 500 POD
Pittsburgh - Over 5.5 500

Los Angeles - 10:00 PM ET Calgary +109 500
Calgary - Under 5.5 500

St. Louis - 10:00 PM ET Colorado +108 500
Colorado - Under 5.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Mid-Season Surprises

February 20, 2013

After a brief review of the some of the NHL underachievers in our last update, we take a quick glance at the other side of the spectrum and teams that have proven pleasant surprises thus far.

Although few are shocked that Chicago has emerged as an apparent serious contender, not even Bill Murray could have envisioned his beloved Blackhawks having avoided defeat in regulation time through the first month of the season. And not many Chicago fans expected such stellar work from goaltenders Corey Crawford (1.65 GAA) and Ray Emery, who have combined for a 1.82 GAA in the first 15 games of the season. Crawford, in particular, has raised his game, not coincidentally with rumors of possible Blackhawks interest in available Canucks GK Roberto Luongo. Emery has also been up to the task, as he was on Sunday between the pipes for a game against the visiting Cup holder Kings, a game in which Chicago prevailed 3-2 with Crawford temporarily sidelined (more below in the Ticker notes).

Goaltending has been mostly a sore spot for the Hawks since Antti Niemi abandoned the Windy City for San Jose following the Stanley Cup season of 2009-10, so Crawford's emergence is a very big deal for a team that seems to have all of the other pieces in place for another Cup run, including young stars winger Patrick Kane and center Jonathan Toews, who comprise two-thirds of one of the most-lethal lines in the league. The availability of winger Marian Hossa, back at full strength after being KO'd by that hard hit from the Coyotes' Raffi Torres in the playoffs last spring and on his usual scoring trajectory with six goals and 12 points in 15 games, has been another plus.

It's no surprise that Chicago is now listed as the favorite to lift the Stanley Cup; the Hawks are being quoted at 6/1 or thereabouts to win the title as we move into late February.

Giving chase to Chicago is surprising Anaheim, which continues its own remarkable start to the campaign and sits on 23 points thru 15 games, trailing only the Hawks in the West. We talked late last week about the emergence of GK Viktor Fasth; since then Fasth has won again (at Nashville) and has improved his record to an amazing 8-0-0, with a 1.78 GAA. Only the aforementioned Ray Emery (in his Ottawa days) and Bob Froese (from his early days with the Flyers in the '80s) have ever won their first eight starts as goalies in the NHL. Fasth's success and 93.3% saves suggest that former first-stringer Jonas Hiller, who has struggled in limited work early this season and now battles a lower-body injury, will proceed in a backup role until further notice.

But the Ducks, left at the starting gate and too far out of the playoff mix to make a postseason run after former Caps HC Bruce Boudreau was hired to replace Randy Carlyle in early December last season, have not put themselves in the same hole this term with their 11-2-1 start. Their ability to win shootouts (four of 'em) has been a plus that might be hard to sustain, but Boudreau is getting contributions from a variety of sources (13 different Anaheim players have already scored this season prior to Monday's game vs. the Blue Jackets). Bobby Ryan and Daniel Winnik each have scored five goals to lead the team, but contributions have been widespread, with 2007 Cup holdovers Ryan, fellow winger Corey Perry, center Ryan Getzlaff, and the ageless winger Teemu Selanne (tops on the team with 15 points in 14 games!) all in productive form, while vet center Saku Koivu provides an important pivot point in the middle of the Selanne-Winnik line.

Meanwhile, raise your hand if you expected surprising Carolina to break so quickly from the gate. The Hurricanes are keeping on the heels of East leaders Pittsburgh and Boston, thanks to surprising and unexpected success away from Raleigh, as Carolina was 4-0-1 its last five away prior to Monday night's game at Montreal. Moreover, the Canes have been lethal, scoring a whopping 20 goals in those last five road outings.

Star center Eric Staal's team-high eight goals and nine assists have all come during his current 11-game point streak. And production from unlikely sources such as defenseman Joe Corvo, who had keyed the recent Carolina surge with five points in four games since being a healthy scratch for three straight contests Feb. 2-7, has further fueled the uprising for Kirk Muller's troops.

Adding Eric Staal's younger brother, star defender Jordan, in the offseason from the Penguins, has also been a plus; Jordan Staal can control the puck along boards and win puck battles, and he also leads the team with 10 assists in the early going. Another offseason addition, ex-Cap Alex Semin, is the ultra-skilled right winger the Canes have needed for a long time. Semin's presence has also bolstered the line featuring Eric Staal, who is getting great benefit from Semin's ability to control the puck, making it harder for defenders to concentrate upon the multi-skilled Eric.

Proceeding forward, Muller is going to need more consistency from his special teams, as both the power play and penalty kill have been middling at best. And he'll need better work from goalie Cam Ward, who was instrumental in the Hurricanes' Cup win back in 2006 but has been laboring with a 3.22 GAA in his first ten games this season. His improvement will be key, although useful veteran backup Dan Ellis is proving a handy second option in goal, with a 3-1-0 mark, 1.75 GAA, and 94.3 save percentage in the early going. In upcoming games, Muller could be tempted to use more of Ellis, which might not be bad thing. Stay tuned for further developments.

Following is a quick personnel/injury "Ticker" update from around the NHL...

CHICAGO...Keep tabs on key defender Johnny Oduya, who suffered a possible concussion on Sunday vs. the Kings and is questionable for Tuesday's game vs. Vancouver. As is the aforementioned GK Corey Crawford, dealing with an upper-body injury that might jeopardize his status for that early-season showdown vs. Vancouver, which did beat the Hawks in a shootout at Rogers Arena back on February 1. Ray Emery, in the nets for the 3-2 win vs. the Kings on Sunday, starts again if Crawford can't make the post.

MONTREAL...Don't worry if you don't see GK Carey Price or defender P.K. Subban in the lineup for Les Habitants on Monday vs. the visiting Hurricanes; both had been temporarily knocked out with a bad case of the flu over the weekend, but any absences are likely to be short-lived. As is that of winger Max Pacioretty, suffering from an upper body injury and a nasty cut that knocked him out of the Saturday game vs. the Flyers but who is not expected to miss much, if any, ice time beyond perhaps Monday's game vs. Carolina. Not so lucky is promising rookie winger Brendan Gallagher (five goals), KO'd by a concussion in last Saturday's win over the Flyers and out indefinitely. The Canadiens, however, seemed to have turned the corner after bottoming out in a recent 6-0 home loss to the hated Maple Leafs, completing a brief but ineffective barren stretch in which they allowed 12 goals in three games. Since the loss to Toronto, Montreal has allowed just four goals while winning three in a row prior to the visit by Carolina on Monday night.

PHILADELPHIA...Sources say that center and team captain Claude Giroux read the riot act to the troops after their uninspired 4-1 loss on Saturday at Montreal. Giroux was also addressing himself, with a minus-6 rating and mere 10 points through 16 games after finishing third in the NHL last season with 93 points. He's not the only Flyer who has struggled, as those ranks would also include winger Max Talbot, who has no goals after scoring a career-high 19 last season; defenseman Braydon Coburn, whose -9 rating is among the league's worst; and center Sean Couturier, who had 27 points as a rookie last season but had no goals and a mere two assists over the past eight games prior to Monday's game against the Islanders. Although maybe something that Giroux said happened to work, as the Flyers looked like a different team in the Presidents Day matinee at the Nassau Coliseum, burying the host Islanders 7-0. It was a good time for the Flyers to run into the Isles, who have now lost 14 of their last 15 at home vs. Philly. And the Flyers are an overwhelming 29-3-1 their last 33 vs. the Islanders after the rout that featured a couple of overdue goals from Giroux and four assists from winger Jakub Voracek. Flyers coach Peter Laviolette was also undoubtedly pleased with the performance of GK Ilya Bryzgalov, who had been extremely erratic all season but who stepped forward with his first shutout win of the season on Monday. There's still work to be done, as the Flyers had been allowing a hefty 3.5 goals pg on the road prior to Monday, but a settled Bryzgalov could solve some of Laviolette's GK headaches and suggest better things to come in Philly.

ST. LOUIS...The Blues looking for some help in goal, with Jaroslav Halak slowly recovering from a groin strain and Brian Elliott having lost all confidence after repeated shellings and one of the worst GAA marks (3.57) in the NHL, as well as a dreadful .791 save percentage on a recent winless four-game homestand. Blues HC Ken Hitchcock has turned to young Jake Allen, a 22-year-old rookie who was recently recalled from Peoria of the AHL. Allen posted a 2.58 GAA in winning all three games on the Blues' recent road trip, capped by a 28-save performance Sunday in a 4-3 shootout win over Vancouver, temporarily plugging what had become a gaping hole in the St. Louis defensive dike. The power play continues to work for the Blues, converting a league-best 34.6% with the man advantage, and young Swedish center Patrik Berglund is already on 8 goals. St. Louis will be moving forward, however, without useful vet winger Jamie Langenbrunner, who is now out for the season after undergoing surgery on an injured hip.

SAN JOSE...What's wrong with the Sharks? The talk of the league along with Chicago in the first two weeks of the season when breaking from the gate with seven straight wins, San Jose instead enters the week in the throes of a mysterious 7-game losing streak (with three of those in shootouts that at least salvaged a point for Todd McLellan's troops). Problem areas have been easy to identify, especially on attack, where goals have dried up after San Jose scored 23 of them in the first five games; the Sharks have tallied only 12 in their last nine games thru Feb. 18, with Patrick Marleau's blazing start (nine goals in the first five games!) now a distant memory with only one goal in the last nine. Marleau and Joe Thornton amassed 14 points over the first six games, but have combined for only two points the last eight. Goalie Antti Niemi has also conceded some egregious goals in recent outings. And at the midpoint of difficult six-game road trip (next stop Tuesday at St. Louis), not sure the Sharks can turn things around quickly.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Thursday, February 21

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Around the rink: Thursday's NHL betting notes
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Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs (-115, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Ryan Miller (BUF), Ben Scrivens (TOR)

Following a 2-1 home loss to Winnipeg on Tuesday that saw Buffalo fall to 3-7-0 in its last 10 games, the Sabres fired Lindy Ruff, who had been the team’s head coach since 1997. Ron Rolston, who guided Rochester of the American Hockey League, will serve as interim coach tonight for the third of four matchups this season between the Northeast Division rivals. The Sabres and Maple Leafs split the first two games this season, with Buffalo winning 2-1 at Toronto on Jan. 21 and the Maple Leafs claiming a 4-3 road triumph in overtime eight days later. The under is 3-0-1 in the Maple Leafs’ last four overall.

Florida Panthers at Philadelphia Flyers (-134, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Jose Theodore (FLA), Ilya Bryzgalov (PHI)

Florida is mired in a five-game winless skid (0-2-3) - with three of the setbacks resulting in shutouts. The Panthers failed to score in their last outing - a 3-0 loss to Toronto on Tuesday. The Flyers salvaged a split of their season-high six-game road trip by scoring 13 goals in their final two contests. The under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.

New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals (-101, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Martin Brodeur (NJ), Braden Holtby (WSH)

The Devils have won the last four meetings between the clubs - including a 3-2 overtime victory in New Jersey on Jan. 25. David Clarkson, who has scored a team-high 10 goals, said he will be back in the lineup Thursday after tweaking his back earlier in the week. Washington, which lost six of its first seven (1-5-1), had a three-game winning streak snapped in Sunday's 2-1 loss at the New York Rangers. New Jersey is 8-1 in its last nine Thursday games.

Winnipeg Jets at Carolina Hurricanes (-143, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Ondrej Pavelec (WPG), Cam Ward (CAR)

The Hurricanes, who had scored at least three goals in seven straight games before being shut out at Montreal, will be looking to pick things up again on Thursday. The Jets own the worst penalty kill in the NHL and are 3-7-0 over their last 10 games. Winnipeg has recorded two goals or fewer in each of its last six games and has not scored a power-play tally in that same stretch, going 0-for-13 with the man-advantage. The under is 7-0 in the Jets’ last seven games overall.

New York Islanders at Montreal Canadiens (-142, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Evgeni Nabokov (NYI), Carey Price (MTL)

Montreal will try to match its longest winning streak (six games) since March 2010 when it hosts the New York Islanders. The Canadiens have outscored their opponents 15-5 since dropping a 6-0 decision at home to Toronto on Feb. 9. The Islanders have been outscored 10-1 in their last two games, losing 7-0 to Philadelphia at home on Monday afternoon and dropping a 3-1 decision at Ottawa on Tuesday. The over is 4-0 in the Islanders’ last 4 games vs. a team with a winning record.

New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators (+116, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Henrik Lundqvist (NYR), Craig Anderson (OTT)

The New York Rangers will be without top-line forward Rick Nash, who will miss his second straight game on Thursday. Nash was also a spectator in Tuesday's 3-1 decision setback to Montreal, although he has yet to be ruled out of Saturday's return contest with his undisclosed injury. Ottawa is also dealing with injuries to key cogs Erik Karlsson (Achilles), Jason Spezza (back), and Milan Michalek (knee). The Rangers are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Ottawa.

Boston Bruins at Tampa Bay Lightning (+113, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Tuukka Rask (BOS), Anders Lindback (TB)

Boston had seven players miss practice on Tuesday with flu-like symptoms. But all seven players returned for the team’s Wednesday practice in Tampa and should be able to go Thursday night. The Bruins have lost in regulation only once in seven road games, allowing 15 goals – and just one on the power play. The over is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Tampa Bay.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Detroit Red Wings (-170, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ), Jimmy Howard (DET)

A home date against the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday should provide the Red Wings with a nice opportunity to snap out of their current four-game funk. Detroit has allowed a total of 16 goals over the last four games, including two in overtime. The Blue Jackets have dropped three straight and are sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. The over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.

Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars (+127, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Cory Schneider (VAN), Christopher Nilstorp (DAL)

The Canucks will attempt to snap their three-game winless streak without Jannik Hansen as the right wing will miss Thursday's road game due to suspension. Cristopher Nilstorp will make his third career start Thursday in place of the injured Kari Lehtonen (groin). The 29-year-old Swede still is searching for his first NHL win as he is 0-2-0 with a 2.70 goals-against average. The over is 3-0-1 in the Stars’ last four games overall. Vancouver has won four of its last five visits to Dallas.

Minnesota Wild at Edmonton Oilers (-116, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Niklas Backstrom (MIN), Devan Dubnyk (EDM)

Minnesota has scored three goals in two consecutive games after netting two or less in each of its previous seven contests. The Wild are 4-0-1 in their last six visits to Edmonton. The Oilers are 1-2-2 in their last five home games and have won just two of their last eight overall (2-3-3).

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, February 21

Winnipeg at Carolina, 7:05 ET
Winnipeg: 3-16 SU away off a win
Carolina: 24-14 Over off an Under

New Jersey at Washington, 7:05 ET
New Jersey: 25-11 SU in February
Washington: 4-15 SU after winning 3 of their last 4 games

Buffalo at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Buffalo: 5-0 Over after losing 4 of their last 5 games
Toronto: 6-17 SU at home playing their third game in five days

Florida at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Florida: 0-6 SU after scoring 1 or 0 goals
Philadelphia: 32-16 SU off BB road games

NY Rangers at Ottawa, 7:35 ET
NY Rangers: 10-1 SU away off a home loss by 2+ goals
Ottawa: 13-4 Under in all games this season

NY Islanders at Montreal, 7:35 ET RDS
NY Islanders: 13-30 SU off BB games allowing 3+ goals
Montreal: 5-0 SU off a win by 2+ goals

Boston at Tampa Bay, 7:35 ET
Boston: 10-16 SU off a win by 1 goal
Tampa Bay: 8-1 SU at home after winning 2 of their last 3 games

Columbus at Detroit, 7:35 ET NHL
Columbus: 23-61 SU away playing with two days rest
Detroit: 7-1 Over vs. division opponents

Vancouver at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Vancouver: 14-4 SU away playing with revenge
Dallas: 9-2 Under at home off BB Overs

Minnesota at Edmonton, 9:35 ET
Minnesota: 16-7 SU away off a home win
Edmonton: 8-24 off a combined score of 4 goals or less

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, February 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Buffalo 0 1st 17:08 Toronto -130 500
Toronto 0 Over 5.5 500

New Jersey 0 1st 14:21 New Jersey -108 500
Washington 0 Under 5 500

Winnipeg 1 1st 15:32 Winnipeg +133 500
Carolina 0 Over 5.5 500

NY Islanders 0 0th Montreal -155 500
Montreal 0 Over 5.5 500

NY Rangers 0 0th Ottawa +111 500
Ottawa 0 Under 5 500

Boston 0 0th Boston -118 500
Tampa Bay 0 Under 5.5 500

Columbus - 7:30 PM ET Detroit -165 500
Detroit - Over 5.5 500

Vancouver - 8:30 PM ET Dallas +128 500
Dallas - Over 5.5 500

Minnesota - 9:30 PM ET Minnesota +109 500 POD
Edmonton - Over 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

NY Rangers at Ottawa
The Rangers look to build on their 8-2 record in their last 10 games in Ottawa. New York is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Game 51-52: Winnipeg at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 11.959; Carolina 10.813
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+135); Over

Game 53-54: New Jersey at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 10.936; Washington 12.033
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+100); Under

Game 55-56: Buffalo at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.709; Toronto 10.663
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+110); Over

Game 57-58: Florida at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 9.788; Philadelphia 12.082
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 59-60: NY Rangers at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.311; Ottawa 11.290
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-130); Under

Game 61-62: NY Islanders at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 10.527; Montreal 12.223
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-160); Over

Game 63-64: Boston at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 12.211; Tampa Bay 11.241
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 65-66: Columbus at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.913; Detroit 11.955
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 67-68: Vancouver at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.401; Dallas 11.195
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-145); Over

Game 69-70: Minnesota at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.130; Edmonton 11.884
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-125); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, February 22

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Florida 0 0th Florida +206 500
Pittsburgh 0 Over 5.5 500

Vancouver - 8:00 PM ET Nashville -103 500
Nashville - Under 5 500

San Jose - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -138 500
Chicago - Over 5.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, February 23

Update

Hot teams
-- Winnipeg won last three road games, allowing four goals.
-- Coyotes won four of their last five games.
-- Avalanche won three of their last four games. Los Angeles won four of last five.
-- Canadiens won five of their last six games.
-- Maple Leafs won seven of last nine games. Ottawa won its last three games, allowing a total of four goals.
-- Minnesota won four of its last six games.

Cold teams
-- Devils lost three of its last five games. Washington lost its last two games, scoring three goals.
-- Flyers lost five of their last nine games.
-- Oilers lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Nashville lost three of last four games. Detroit lost last five games, outscored 19-12.
-- Lightning lost seven of their last nine games. Carolina lost its last two games, scoring a total of three goals.
-- Rangers lost three of their last four games.
-- Islanders lost seven of their last ten games. Buffalo lost five of last six games, scoring a total of ten goals.
-- Blue Jackets lost six of their last eight games. St Louis lost seven of last 10 games; they scored one goal in last two games.
-- Sharks lost eight of their last nine games. Dallas Stars lost three of last four.
-- Flames lost five of their last seven games.

Totals
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five New Jersey games.
-- Seven of last eight Winnipeg games stayed under total.
-- Six of last eight Phoenix games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Avalanche-King games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Nashville games.
-- 13 of last 14 Carolina-Tampa Bay games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten Montreal-Ranger games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Islander games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Toronto-Ottawa games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-3-2 in last dozen St Louis-Columbus games.
-- Eight of last ten San Jose games stayed under the total.
-- 11 of last 14 Calgary-Minnesota games stayed under total.

Series records
-- Devils won their last five games vs Washington.
-- Flyers won last two games vs Winnipeg, after losing previous six.
-- Oilers lost six of last seven games against Phoenix.
-- Kings lost their last five games against Colorado.
-- Predators won seven of last eight games vs Detroit.
-- Lightning won five of last six visits to Carolina.
-- Rangers lost three of last four games against Montreal.
-- Islanders lost last three games against Buffalo.
-- Senators lost last three games vs Toronto, outscored 11-1.
-- Blues won eight of last ten games against Columbus.
-- Sharks won seven of last eight games against Dallas.
-- Minnesota won four of last six visits to Saddledome.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, February 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Islanders 0 0th Buffalo -114 500
Buffalo 0 Over 5.5 500

NY Rangers 0 0th Montreal -131 500
Montreal 0 Under 5 500

Toronto 0 0th Ottawa +110 500
Ottawa 0 Over 5 500

Tampa Bay 0 0th Tampa Bay +100 500
Carolina 0 Over 6 500

Nashville 0 0th Detroit -119 500
Detroit 0 Over 5 500

Columbus - 8:00 PM ET Columbus +205 500
St. Louis - Over 5.5 500

San Jose - 8:00 PM ET San Jose -117 500
Dallas - Over 5.5 500

Minnesota - 10:00 PM ET Calgary -106 500
Calgary - Under 5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Carolina at NY Islanders
The Hurricanes look to take advantage of an Islanders team that is 1-5 in its last 6 home games. Carolina is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Hurricanes favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Game 1-2: Boston at Florida (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.719; Florida 11.926
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+130); Over

Game 3-4: Winnipeg at New Jersey (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 9.947; New Jersey 11.401
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-160); Under

Game 5-6: Vancouver at Detroit (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.829; Detroit 12.560
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+105); Over

Game 7-8: Columbus at Chicago (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.906; Chicago 12.441
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-265); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-265); Under

Game 9-10: Carolina at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.446; NY Islanders 10.686
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+100); Over

Game 11-12: Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.638; Pittsburgh 11.979
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-175); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-175); Under

Game 13-14: Colorado at Anaheim (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.938; Anaheim 11.581
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+155); Over

Game 15-16: Phoenix at Calgary (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.420; Calgary 11.942
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-110); Under